So if your dentist just advised you need a root canal, don’t worry, it’s safe.

If you’re scheduled for a root canal therapy, that’s a good thing. This is your opportunity to bring back the healthy state of your teeth and mouth.

What is a Root Canal Therapy?

Understanding what root canal treatment is will help make you feel at ease.

The root canal system is found inside the tooth. It is home to the dental pulp whose function is to keep the tooth alive. Inside the dental pulp are nerves and blood vessels that help with tooth growth and development.

When the dental pulp gets infected or inflamed, root canal therapy is conducted. Bacteria buildup and tooth decay are common reasons for dental pulp inflammation. Traumatic incidents such as fractured or chipped tooth could also be among contributing factors.

What Happens During Root Canal Therapy?

During a root canal therapy, your dentist first numbs the affected tooth. Afterward, the crown is drilled to create an opening leading to the pulp chamber. The damaged pulp is removed.

The next step is to prepare the canals for filling by rinsing the area with a disinfecting solution to kill any remaining bacteria. This permanent filling material helps protect the canal from further infection. Once the filling is applied, the tooth is then prepared for a crown.

A crown at Rundle Dental can be done right in our office on the day of your root canal. We use the CEREC system to mill a permanent crown from a solid piece of ceramic that matches the surrounding teeth colour.

This root canal treatment requires administering local anesthesia. Also, it can take two dental visits before it is completed.

If you have just received root canal therapy and experience extreme pain, make sure to notify your dentist right away.

Note, too, that receiving root canal therapy doesn’t make you immune to cavities or gum diseases. Good oral hygiene habits are still necessary and may even be more important after a root canal because the nerves have been removed and the tooth’s natural alarm system is no longer there.